Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest
Crunchy twice-baked almond biscotti infused with bright orange zest and dipped in silky dark chocolate for a delightful treat. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 20, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 6 oz dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp orange zest until combined.
- Step 3: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until a dough forms, then fold in 1 cup sliced almonds.
- Step 4: Divide dough in half and shape each into a 12-inch long, 2-inch wide log on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and firm.
- Step 5: Remove logs from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- Step 6: Using a serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti. Arrange slices cut side down on the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bake biscotti for an additional 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until dry and crisp.
- Step 8: Melt 6 oz dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until smooth. Dip one end of each biscotti into the melted chocolate and place on parchment to set.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 20 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 20). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti with Orange Zest?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.